NOVOLOG/NOVORAPID MIX 70/30 ( Insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart )

What is this medication?

NOVOLOG/NOVORAPID MIX 70/30 ( Insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart )

Brand Name US: Novolog
Canadian Equivalent: NovoRapid

NovoLog^® Mix 70/30 is a mixture of insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes.

How does this medication work? 

NovoLog^® Mix 70/30 is a mixture of insulin aspart protamine, an intermediate-acting human insulin analog, and insulin aspart, a rapid-acting human insulin analog, indicated to improve glycemic control in adult patients with diabetes mellitus.

NovoLog^® Mix 70/30 can be dosed within 15 minutes before or after starting a meal in adult patients with type 2 diabetes, compared with 30 minutes before a meal required by human premixed insulin.

Limitations of Use:
Not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
The proportions of rapid-acting and long-acting insulins are fixed and do not allow for basal versus prandial dose adjustments.

How should I take this medication? 

Read the Instructions for Use that come with your NovoLog® Mix 70/30.

• Take NovoLog® Mix 70/30 exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.
• NovoLog® Mix 70/30 starts acting fast. If you have Type 1 diabetes, inject it up to 15 minutes before you eat a meal. Do not inject NovoLog® Mix 70/30 if you are not planning to eat within 15 minutes. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may inject NovoLog® Mix 70/30 up to 15 minutes before or after starting your meal.
• Do not mix NovoLog® Mix 70/30 with other insulin products or use in an insulin pump.
• Know the type and strength of insulin you take. Do not change the type of insulin you take unless your healthcare provider tells you to. The amount of insulin and the best time for you to take your insulin may need to change if you take different types of insulin.
• Check your blood sugar levels. Ask your healthcare provider what your blood sugars should be and when you should check your blood sugar levels. • Do not reuse or share your needles or syringes with other people. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.
• NovoLog® Mix 70/30 is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach area, buttocks, upper legs, or upper arms.
• Change (rotate) your injection sites within the same area you choose with each dose to reduce your risk of getting lipodystrophy (pits in skin or thickened skin) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis (skin with lumps) at the injection sites.
• Do not use the exact same spot for each injection.
• Do not inject where skin has pits, is thickened, or has lumps.
• Do not inject where the skin is tender, bruised, scaly or hard, or into scars or damaged skin.

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

While taking NovoLog® Mix 70/30 do not:

• Drive or operate heavy machinery, until you know how NovoLog® Mix 70/30 affects you.
• Drink alcohol or use prescription or over-the-counter medicines that contain alcohol.

What is the difference between a prefilled pen and a cartridge?

The prefilled pen is in a ready to use format including a fixed needle, whereas a cartridge needle is separate from the glass body.

What if I miss a dose?

Since Insulin Aspart is used before meals, you may not be on a timed dosing schedule. Whenever you use Insulin Aspart, be sure to eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes. Do not use extra insulin to make up for a missed dose.

Keep insulin on hand at all times. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

How should I store this medication?

• Do not freeze NovoLog® Mix 70/30.
• Do not use NovoLog® Mix 70/30 if it has been frozen.
• Keep NovoLog® Mix 70/30 away from heat or light.
• Store the NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen® without the needle attached.

Unused NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen®:

• Store unused NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen® in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
• Unused NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen® may be used until the expiration date printed on the label, if kept in the refrigerator.
• Unused NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen® should be thrown away after 14 days, if it is stored at room temperature.

In-Use NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen®:

• Store the FlexPen® you are currently using at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) for up to 14 days.
• The NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen® you are using should be thrown away after 14 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

NovoLog® Mix 70/30 may cause serious side effects that can lead to death, including: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs and symptoms that may indicate low blood sugar include:

• dizziness or light-headedness
• blurred vision
• anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
• sweating
• slurred speech
• hunger
• confusion
• shakiness
• headache
• fast heart beat

Your insulin dose may need to change because of:

• change in level of physical activity or exercise
• increased stress
• change in diet
• weight gain or loss
• illness

Other common side effects of NovoLog® Mix 70/30 may include:

• Low potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), reactions at the injection site, itching, rash, serious allergic reactions (whole body reactions), skin thickening or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy), weight gain, and swelling of your hands and feet.

Get emergency medical help if you have:

• Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, sweating, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, confusion.

These are not all the possible side effects of NovoLog® Mix 70/30.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.